Kansas City, MO – After closing out the season as the Mid-South Conference Tournament runners-up, the Patriots women's soccer team garnered 364 points to climb one spot and be ranked ninth in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, announced by the national office Wednesday.  Cumberlands has remained in the top-ten throughout the season. 
 
UC is 13-4-3 on the season and posted a 4-2 mark in conference play.  The Patriots have played second strongest schedule in the NAIA this season with 13 matches coming against teams that were ranked or receiving votes in the national poll.  Cumberlands is holding their opponents to 0.80 goals against average with 11 clean sheets on the year.  The Patriots defense led by Samantha Sokolove, Madison Long, Noah Paalman, and Karla Waibel has limited opponents to 8.2 shots per game.  Morgan White has made 74 saves and posted an 82.2% save percentage on the year.
 
Offensively, the Patriots averaging 2.85 goals per game with eight different players tallying double-digit points.  Nicole Araujo leads the way with nine goals and 26 points on the year.  Abigail Little as added seven goals and six assists, while Carola Fontan has notched 16 points.  Sara Soto netted a brace in the Patriots semifinal win over Lindsey Wilson. 
 
 William Carey is the top-ranked team in the poll with 504 points and 12 first-place votes. Marian has earned six first-place votes to be ranked second, while Keiser, Missouri Valley, and Oklahoma Wesleyan round out the top five.  MSC rivals Cumberland is ranked 16^th, while Lindsey Wilson is 19^th and Campbellsville is receiving votes.
 
The Patriots will now await the NAIA Selection Show on Friday, November 14th, at 6 p.m.  when the national tournament field is announced.
 
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